Pueblo, Colorado has become known as the “City of Heroes” due to how many Medal of Honor Winners are from the area. This distinction cultivated an identity that can be experienced across the city but monuments and landmarks that are connected to this legacy are not the only ones to define the community.
The Headwater Fountain was completed in 2004, providing the community with a distinct landmark as well as a place to cool off in the summer. Created as a result of several contributors from across the community, it has become a hub of activity for both residents and visitors.
Sister Cities Plaza is a landmark and gathering place for special events, featuring numerous distinct monuments. The Sister Cities Monument itself features an eagle that rests on top of the coats of arms of sister city Puebla. It also contains the Sister Cities Friendship Fountain.
The Garden of Memories is a small plaza defined by the “Bareback Bronc” statue. Donated to the city of Pueblo in 2019, the piece and space is dedicated to Wallace “Wally” Rozell Stealey, with his memory living on as part of the plaza.
A statue of Sarah Shaw Van Dyke resides outside of City Hall, showcasing a local legend to everyone who enters the building. She was a lifetime Puebloan and local dance teacher, who for over 56 years taught thousands of young people at her dance studio. Her legacy lives on in the accomplishments of those who danced at her studio, which the monument celebrates.
These are just a few of the obscure and outstanding monuments located across Pueblo. While the “City of Heroes” identity has defined many of the landmarks across the city, others have embraced different pieces of the history and culture that the area contains, showcasing how communities and stakeholders can utilize many different elements to create engagement with residents and visitors.
